Just to say hi.. and point folks in the direction of some FREE software.

Hello all.

Just to say hi...

Found this site on a trawl for info/links re FREE CNC resources to add to my website at http://cnc4free.org

have a lot of stuff listed there already including tried and tested FREE software to perform 99% of CNC tasks..

One of the main features of the site is FREE, high quality .STL vector clipart for CNC carving. Please feel free to visit, take a look.. and grab the models if you want them. have attached some images to demo the kind of content I mean

Seems a long while since I first posted here re: the FREE content at cnc4free.org... Methods promoted at the site have moved on considerably, particularly in the last 12 months or so.

To spread the use of FREE CNC software more widely I've released a FREE version of the COMPLETE cnc4free.org eBook. This is now available on the 'Tutorials' page of site. Topics coverered range from Image editing, including heightmapping through to generation of Intaglio or V-Carving toolpaths for 4 and 5 axis CNC machinery.

The download comprises a 141 MB self-extracting archive that contains 8 chapters or 408 pages along with over 500 MB of support files to aid learning.

just thought there might be some interest in a new 3D mesh to bas relief tutorial I've put online at http:/cnc4free.org There are many FREE 3D mesh resources of this type available online.. the mesh in the images below was located at artists3d.com.. there are many similar quality files available.

The tutorial uses a 3D model..to create a high-quality heightmap.. suitable for use in image to gcode or image to .stl software. It allows HIGH relief mesh to be carved as LOW relief... can compress objects that measures FEET into less than an inch.. It is entirely GENERATIVE... NO manual editing.. ALL function or process driven. Takes 5 to 10 mins AT MOST.. when you have masterd some very simple skills.

A basic kerkythea installation and an image editor are all that's required.. kerkythea is a 'rendering' utility that can raytrace a very good quality heightmap.... at user specified resolution... Link to the tutorial is below... and some example images to give an idea of the results generated by this method....